Hugh Freeman Sr.

Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 30, 2009

NATCHEZ — Services for Hugh Josh Freeman Sr., 83, of Natchez, who died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at his residence, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Laird Funeral Home Union Street Chapel with Dr. Douglas R. Broome, pastor of First Baptist Church in Natchez, officiating.
Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction Laird Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.
Mr. Freeman was born March 2, 1926, in Franklin County, the son of Joshua Joel and Mary Holland Freeman.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Force with the 3rd Bomber Group in Yokota, Japan, as an air to ground and airborne radio equipment specialist. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose for many years and held various offices, including governor, in the local and state lodges. The Pilgrim’s Degree of Merit was bestowed upon him for his service to this organization. He was employed by Sears and Roebuck Company in Natchez and after a very storied 27-plus year career he retired. At the time of his retirement he was the manager of the tire and service department. After a brief retirement hiatus, Hugh then entered into a successful business venture with one of his lifelong friends, C.M. “Chuck” Bass, when they formed Compressor Engine Systems, Inc. This venture allowed extensive travel throughout the South and the West as they repaired gas compressors for major oil companies and engines for various ship lines.
Hugh finally retired from active employment and in his later years spent most of his time planning, designing plans, and overseeing many home projects as well as projects at the family property located off of LaGrange Road. There was nothing he enjoyed more than piddling with, repairing and operating his prize vehicle, his old Ford tractor. Leisure time during his employment years included spending time at his camp at Deer Park, La., engaging in various activities such as boating, fishing, gardening and fellowshipping with his friends and neighbors down at the Olé River camp.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Sydney Decatur Freeman; and stepfather, Mr. Henry Cater.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Anna Mae Maier Freeman, two sons, Hugh J. “Winky” Freeman and wife, Debbie, of Vicksburg and Ronald W. “Ronny” Freeman and wife, Paula, of Madison; one daughter, Sandra Freeman Dunn and husband, Terry, of Natchez; four beautiful granddaughters, Annabeth Freeman Wyatt and husband, Matt, of Tupelo, Lana Claire Freeman of Oxford, Carla Ann and Cami Dunn, both of Natchez; and three step-grandchildren, Mark Barber and wife, Sylvia, and their children, Brenden and Gil, all of Orlando, Mike Barber of Victoria, Texas, and Gwyn Barber of Nashville, Tenn.
Pallbearers will be C.M. Bass, Terry Dunn, Lester Freeman, Freddie Maier, Walter Maier and Ellis Pruden.
Honorary pallbearers will be all members of the Hammack Sunday School class at First Baptist Church of Natchez.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Pleasant Acres Day School in Natchez.
The family gives special thanks to Hospice Ministries Inc., the Veterans Administration Hospital in Jackson and Ann Johnson of Crosby.
Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.